The national strike organized by the joint front of all unions today completely paralyzed Belgium.
State institutions are not working, and the entrances of the private companies are blocked by the union boards from four o’clock this morning. The largest shopping center in Brussels is blocked for the first time in ten years.
All flights at Brussels airport have been canceled by the end of the day, as well as all international trains to London and Paris, and also there is no public transport.
This joint action of the new Government coalition, composed only of right-wing and ultra-right-wing parties, is a result of the austerity measures: reduction of social assistance for the unemployed, retirement at 67 years and reduced salaries.
Belgium hasn’t experienced such a massive strike more than ten years.
The unions announced that if the Government fails to hear their demands, new strikes will be organized in January, but doesn’t exclude the possibility of permanent strike if relations are worsened.
